New vibe expected on practice field today for Packers

September 6, 2016

byMike Spofford

GREEN BAY — The Packers’ final preseason game was five days ago. Their last practice was a day before that. When the players return to the field on Tuesday for their first on-field preparations for Week 1 in Jacksonville, Head Coach Mike McCarthy expects something different.

“Absolutely,” McCarthy said prior to Tuesday’s practice. “You could feel the vibe in the meetings yesterday. Each and every year, the 48-hour period after you formulate your roster is a tough time. There’s personal relationships you have to take into account.

“Today there will be a ton of energy. These guys haven’t practiced since last week. With their time off over the weekend, this historically has been a very energetic practice.”

Tuesday is an extra practice compared to a normal preparation week, which normally begins on Wednesday. McCarthy said the extra day will be particularly helpful with the specialists, as long snapper Brett Goode has returned and new punter Jake Schum just arrived last week.

The Packers are expecting a hot day Sunday in Jacksonville, but McCarthy feels the team is prepared, having played a hot game in Miami two seasons ago and just now coming off their summer training camp.

“We have to take care of our hydration, and make sure our players are rested and hydrated going into this contest,” McCarthy said.

Packers.com will have more following practice and locker room interviews.